South Africa's Aviation Regulator Probes Low-Level Rugby Stadium Flybys
South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation after two Airlink passenger jets flew at extremely low altitude over a packed rugby stadium in Cape Town, with one aircraft reportedly fewer than 15 metres above the roof.
Written by Sarah Mitchell
(1h ago)
Developing
What happened?
South Africa's aviation regulator SACAA has opened an investigation after two Airlink passenger jets flew extremely low over a Cape Town rugby stadium, with one reportedly fewer than 15 metres above the roof.
Why it matters
Nearly 60,000 spectators were inside the venue at the time, and many described the manoeuvre on social media as dangerous and reckless, while South Africa's sports minister publicly defended it as spectacular.
What’s next?
Airlink cancelled a similar low-level flyby planned before a match in Johannesburg on Saturday, citing unfavourable weather conditions.
South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has opened a formal investigation after two Airlink passenger jets flew at strikingly low altitude over a rugby stadium in Cape Town during a match between South Africa and New Zealand. Flight data and supporting documents have been secured as part of the inquiry.
One of the two aircraft is reported to have passed fewer than 15 metres above the stadium roof. At the same moment, event organisers fired coloured smoke flares into the air, with nearly 60,000 spectators inside the venue.
Divided reactions
The manoeuvre drew swift condemnation on social media, where many spectators described it as dangerous and reckless. South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, took a contrasting view, writing on X after the match: "It is a known fact that we have the best pilots in the world; that was spectacular."
Airlink defends the operation
Airlink also defended the flyby, stating that the manoeuvre had been executed with precision and had been planned with the support of aviation authorities. The airline said the aircraft were flown by "highly experienced crews, each consisting of three experienced pilots," and that the flights had adhered to approved and tested safety-altitude and speed limits.
Despite the defence of the Cape Town flyby, Airlink subsequently cancelled a similar low-level pass planned before a match in Johannesburg on Saturday. The airline attributed the cancellation to unfavourable weather conditions.
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Source: Tagesschau